Can Rocky Elsom inspire the Brumbies?
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Former Australia fullback Matt Burke previews the weekend's massive derby between the Brumbies and Waratahs in The Sydney Morning Herald.
"You couldn't ask more from a local derby than tomorrow night's clash between the Waratahs and the Brumbies at ANZ Stadium. Fifth playing sixth, match-ups all over the park, a few injuries, some form concerns and a lead-up week in which both teams have played ducks and drakes.
"Despite all the success the Brumbies have enjoyed in Super rugby, they will still claim to be the little brother getting a raw deal and therefore proclaim underdog status. The reality is that they have been the benchmark a lot of other franchises have tried to emulate. The innovation in their plays prompted a revision of tactics and a new attacking style.
"A successful recruitment drive in the off-season and all the big-name players now on their roster have led to the Brumbies being dubbed the Real Madrid of rugby. The most interesting observation is that they have benefited not so much from the elusiveness of their backs this season but the muscle in the forwards, and keeping the play quite tight. The Reds have been the team that have thrown the ball around and the Tahs have tried to follow suit, but not so much the Brumbies."
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